News

Library service reductions backed by Pembrokeshire councillors

Published

9 months ago

March 13, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

BUDGET-SAVING changes to the library service at three of Pembrokeshire’s libraries were backed by senior councillors today, March 11.

A report for members said: “Like all other council services, the library service is required to make savings in 2024/25 as part of the authority’s statutory requirement to set a balanced budget.”

It added that “over the last 11 years of financial austerity, the Library Service has reduced its costs considerably,” listing a wide range of changes including reducing opening hours of some libraries, working with Town and Community Councils and the local community to create Community Managed Library Partnerships, and negotiating financial contributions from Town and Community Councils to support the running of libraries.

The latest proposals included reductions to library opening hours equivalent to one full day per week at Pembroke Dock, Milford Haven and Tenby libraries, if the respective town councils “elect not to make an equivalent financial contribution towards maintaining these opening hours”.

A mix of reductions in early evening opening times, bank holidays, Sundays in school holidays were being considered at Pembroke Dock, Milford Haven, Tenby, and Fishguard libraries.

The report said that discussions with the appropriate town councils about financially supporting their libraries were held, with Tenby Town Council covering the costs of the potential reductions, and Fishguard Town Council continuing an existing financial support, as well as increasing a contribution to protect an evening slot and bank holidays.

“Unfortunately, Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock Town Councils elected not to financially support their local libraries and therefore the savings need to be made through a reduction in opening hours at Milford Haven library, but in the case of Pembroke Dock, we intend to pilot a different solution [reducing staffing numbers], which will save the same amount of money, due to the opportunity afforded by the site having self-service technology,” the report said.

A public consultation exercise was undertaken between 21 December and 25 January, both on the council’s Have Your Say pages and with hard copies available in libraries.

“Engagement with town councils was not universally successful, but has protected library opening hours at both Tenby and Fishguard libraries,” the report said, adding: “The public consultation exercise was valuable and has led to changes in our proposals”.

Responses from the consultation led to small changes in the opening hours members heard.

The changes backed by Cabinet members consisted of four approved recommendations.

Haverfordwest’s Riverside Library will be closed on five Bank Holidays and the six Sundays during the school summer holidays.

Milford Haven library will see a reduction in opening hours, closing at 4pm on Mondays, 1pm on Wednesdays, 4pm on Thursdays, and 4pm on Fridays.

The library is currently closed on Tuesdays and closes at 1pm on Saturdays.

Pembroke Dock library will be closed every Wednesday 5-6.30pm, and the staffing levels will be reduced from three to two as part of a 12-month pilot project, making this permanent if it is successful.

If unsuccessful, it is proposed to undertake a further public consultation with a proposal for a reduction to opening hours and reinstate staffing levels to three if implemented.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

17 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.